A south Dublin councillor has praised a sports programme for children with disabilities, as it expands to include over 65 schools in the area.

The south Dublin's Primary Schools Cross Country programme includes a paralympic section, which is included within three of the four local cross country event venues in the South Dublin County Council area.

Lucan councillor Vicki Casserly's son James, 10, has cerebral palsy and juvenile arthritis and competes alongside his friends thanks to the programme. The programme was piloted after councillor Casserly suggested it to the council last year.

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Councillor Casserly said: "The addition of the paralympic section means that James, along with other children who are interested in sports, have the opportunity to compete in the same way as their friends and peers.

"[It] has opened up so many doors for students and is a huge step towards total equality for children with disabilities.

“I want to commend South Dublin County Council sports and recreational department on the success of the recent schools cross country events.

"I believe they have broken the mould by introducing a new category for paralympic school going children – making the event inclusive for all who chose to participate.”